In the grass field to the left of the school, Hollis Brookline High School seniors graduated last Saturday morning. Opening the ceremony was Class President Maxwell Hengeveld, who thanked family, friends and faculty.

“We are here to celebrate the graduates behind me,” Hengeveld said.

After he told the crowd about his experience as a senior in his class, and laughed at how much they bickered over making decisions, Hengeveld said, “So without further ado, class of 2012, let’s graduate!”

Cynthia Matte, HBHS principal, told the students how she would always remember this class as being caring.

“It’s the heart of this class that I will always remember,” Matte said.

Matte talked about the class’ accomplishments and how they raised $6,000 at Tyler’s Walk to help fund the medical bills of a fellow classmate. She said she could “go on and on” about the wonderful things this class has done.

“I think they will miss each other more than they think they will,” Matte said.

Salutatorian Gregory Partridge talked about their futures ahead of them. He told his classmates there would be a lot of changes in store for them.

“Remember what we learned here and make the best of it,” he said.

Maggie Borkowski, class aledictorian, told her classmates to remember the little things. She said she would remember her time at HBHS by her bandmates. Borkowski said everyone had that one activity that fulfilled them during their time in high school and it was those activities that would leave lasting memories.

“What matters is that everyone has that moment,” Borkowski said. “All of these separate pieces form together to make our class.”

Borkowski said that while it may be the last time the seniors will see each other, to remember this day, because “time cannot change.”

Susan Hodgdon, superintendent of schools, was also there to spread her congratulations to the class.

“I want to extend my warmest congratulations and wish you every happiness and success in your future endeavors,” she said.

The class of 2012 also listened to the commencement address by English teacher Lin Illingworth.

“Who are these people? Where do they come from? What is this class like?” Illingworth proposed to the crowd.

She told everyone present she was pleased and honored to have worked with the students on their class yearbook.

“When I flip through the pages of the book, this is what I see,” she said after telling some of her own personal memories with the students.

Senior Kelly Banks, 18, will always remember her time at HBHS.

“It’s different. It’s such a small school, but you know people more,” Banks said. “Everyone would back each other up.”

Banks said she planned to attend the University of New Hampshire in the fall where she will study biochemistry.

Xenia Hersey, 18, and Mike Lee, 18, are ready to see what is ahead of them.

Hersey will attend Suffolk University to study public relations, while Lee plans on going to Franklin Pierce University for physical therapy.

The students have their whole futures ahead of them.

“Please move your tassels from right to left,” Matte told the class. “Congratulations to the class of 2012!”

The seniors threw their caps into the air before leaving the ceremony under a flower bridge held by the hands of some of their siblings. In the background, “Good Life,” by One Republic played as they left high school graduates.

Kaitlin Joseph can be reached at 594-6573 or kjo
seph@nashuatelegraph.com.